Hi Joann,

Can you go online to www.alzheimercambridge.on.ca, under services, go to education and click on the title "Understanding the Dementia Experience". There is also a pamphlet there called "How to interact". Not all verbal or physical aggression can be prevented, but much of it can, and for the rest, knowing how to let a person calm down is important. Your husband does not have control of whether he verbally abuses you. By understanding, and trial and error, you can work out a way to help him manage his behaviour. Unfortunately, this is a caregiving role. People with dementia have such a difficult time navigating through their day, that they usually become self-centred, whether they started that way or not. They also have difficulty caring for others and maintaining their responsibilities, the give and take that every couple comes to expect from each other, within a relationship. Please find yourself a support group or organization in your area, or start one if there isn't one. This will help you greatly as the two of you move through this difficult journey. Best wishes.